Child seating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A child seating apparatus equipped with swiveling seats and a telescopically-modifiable structure that facilitates adult user-selected modification of seating arrangement and/or configuration, wherein activity walls, activity bars and/or dividers are selectively and removably secured to each seat so as to permit a parent or caregiver to either shield each child from another, to permit each child to interact with another, to permit a child to entertain him/herself while the parent or caregiver feeds another child, to permit each seated child to entertain him/herself in the presence and/or brief absence of the parent or caregiver, and/or to visually convince each child that he/she is receiving the parent&#39;s or caregiver&#39;s full and undivided attention, and/or to temporarily distract the child(ren) from such perceived needs for direct adult attention.

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] To the fullest extent permitted by law, the presentnonprovisional patent application claims priority to and the fullbenefit of provisional patent application entitled “Two SeaterHighchair”, filed on Apr. 22, 2003, having assigned Ser. No. 60/464,803,and provisional patent application entitled “Child Seating Apparatus”,filed on Nov. 19, 2003, having assigned Ser. No. 60/524,111.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to seating units forchildren, and more specifically to a multi-child seating apparatus foraccommodating and entertaining multiple infants, toddlers, and/or othersuitably aged and sized children. The present invention is particularlyadvantageous in use and application due to its ability to permitparents, caretakers, or the like, to contemporaneously feed and/orentertain multiple infants, toddlers, or the like, or, alternatively, topermit the children safely to entertain themselves in the brief absenceor diversion of adult supervision.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Parenthood is unquestionably a physically and mentally demandingresponsibility that seemingly absorbs every moment of the parents'lives. Although nurturing and rearing one child certainly has itschallenges, parents of two or more children are often faced with mentaland physical stresses that easily surpass those of single-child parents.As such, parents of two or more children must quickly learn toeffectively multitask to provide each child with the requisite care.This is especially true for parents of two or more children of the sameage, as in twin or multiple birth circumstances, and for parents withchildren of close or similar ages. Of course, daycare providers,caregivers of children in institutional settings, and the like,certainly face similar challenges.

[0004] Consequently, many parents and caregivers often utilize childcaredevices to facilitate the parent's or caregiver's ability to multitask,wherein such devices permit a parent or caregiver to both care for andmeet each child's needs, and attend to household, family, or otherimmediate obligations. For instance, many parents and caregivers oftenutilize activity centers or playpens to preoccupy and entertain onechild, while tending to another child's feeding demands or otherregimen. Where the other child's needs center around feeding activities,that child is typically seated within a highchair to facilitate thefeeding process. However, because many infants and toddlers are oftenfed in the kitchen or other dining-specific area, a parent or caregivertending to a hungry child is usually unable to effectively supervise,entertain, and/or otherwise interact with a second child playpen-boundin a different room. As such, the parent or caregiver must often movebetween each child to ensure that each child's demands are met and/or topacify an irritated child.

[0005] Although many parents and caregivers often resort to seating alltheir children within highchairs to simultaneously monitor each childduring feeding of a select child (or children), such a strategy israrely without headache. For instance, the child/children not being fedmay quickly become irritated in the perceived absence of the parent's orcaregiver's constant and undivided attention, now focused toward thehungry child, or jealous, and therefore aggravated, in view of theparent's or caregiver's conscious effort to direct his/her attention tothe hungry child. As such, the parent or caregiver is forced tosimultaneously pacify or entertain the irritated child and feed thehungry child. Additionally, if the parent or caregiver is feeding morethan one child, the parent or caregiver must ensure that each childproperly interacts with his/her sibling(s) or other nearby child(ren),and refrains from any activity, such as throwing food at one another,that would otherwise provoke or aggravate his/her sibling(s) orneighbor(s).

[0006] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for amulti-child seating apparatus for accommodating multiple infants,toddlers, and/or other suitably-aged and sized children, wherein parentsand other caregivers can effectively and simultaneously distribute theirattention to a number of children to selectively feed, entertain, orotherwise interact with same. There is a further need for such anapparatus that permits a child to entertain himself within the presenceof the parent or caregiver, yet permit the parent or caregiver toprovide the child's sibling(s) or nearby child(ren) with a short periodof undivided attention. There is still a further need for such anapparatus that visually convinces each child that he/she is receivingthe parent's or caregiver's full and undivided attention. There is yetanother need for such an apparatus that permits children to safelyentertain themselves in the brief absence or diversion of adultsupervision. As will be more fully detailed hereinbelow, it is to theprovision of such an apparatus that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for such a device by providing embodiments directed to amulti-child seating apparatus equipped with swiveling seats and atelescopically-modifiable structure that facilitates user-selectedmodification of seating arrangement and/or configuration, whereinactivity walls, activity bars, and/or dividers are selectively andremovably secured to, or proximate, each seat so as to permit a parentor caregiver to either shield each child from one another, permit eachchild to interact with one another, to permit a child to entertainhim/herself while the parent or caregiver feeds another child, to permiteach seated child to entertain him/herself in the presence and/or briefabsence of the parent or caregiver, and/or to visually convince eachchild that he/she is receiving the parent's or caregiver's full andundivided attention, and/or to temporarily distract the child(ren) fromsuch perceived needs for direct adult attention.

[0008] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentinvention in its preferred form is a multi-child seating apparatushaving a first swiveling seat telescopically connected to a secondswiveling seat, wherein the first and second seats are supported via anarrangement of telescopically and pivotally manipulatable legs, andwherein a system of activity walls, bars and/or dividers are removablysecurable to, or proximate, the seats to facilitate care of childrenseated therein.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention is a multi-child seatingapparatus having a first swiveling seat telescopically connected to asecond swiveling seat, wherein each seat may be selectively swiveledwithin a prescribed radius, and wherein the distance between each seatmay be selectively adjusted via a telescoping arm extendingtherebetween. The first and second seats are preferably supported via anarrangement of telescoping legs that permit overall height adjustment ofthe apparatus, wherein each leg further incorporates a lockable pivotmechanism to permit the inward folding of same, and, thus, the nearfloor-level seating of infants, toddlers, or the like. Each leg furthercomprises a lockable wheeled-base or caster to facilitate wheeledtransport of the apparatus. Additionally, the seatbacks of each seat maybe tilted or pivotally adjusted to accommodate children of varying sizeor general child growth.

[0010] Preferably, each seat incorporates a feeding tray, wherein eachtray is adapted to selectively and removably receive an activity walland/or activity bar to entertain the child(ren) seated within theseat(s). Alternatively, dividers or separating walls may be removablesecured to each tray so as to visually shield a first seated child fromthe sight of a second seated child; thereby, visually convincing eachchild that he/she is receiving the parent's or caregiver's full andundivided attention, and/or to further prevent each child fromphysically interacting with another in a confrontational manner (i.e.,throwing food, dishware, toys, and the like at one another).Additionally, each seat may further selectively and removably receive akick plate to shield or guard the swinging or kicking legs and feet ofone seated child from those of another. Each tray is further capable ofbeing slidably adjusted to accommodate children of varying size orgeneral child growth. Furthermore, each seat comprises a rearwardlydisposed handle to facilitate movement and positioning of the apparatus,and to further removably receive a storage bag thereon, wherein thestorage bag may be utilized to store toys, personal articles, or thelike.

[0011] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the feedingtrays are replaced with support bars that permit activity walls,activity bars, and/or dividers to be selectively and removably securedthereto, wherein the support bars incorporate storage compartments tofacilitate the expeditious storage and retrieval of crayons, pacifiers,moist towelettes, bibs, or the like. It is further contemplated that thesupport bars could be removably secured to the seats and that removablefeeding trays could be engaged thereover, wherein the support bars couldeffectively restrain a child seated within a respective seat when thefeeding trays are removed, and wherein removal of the support bars couldbe effectuated via adult intervention only. In such an embodiment, it iscontemplated that the support bars could be removably secured to legdividers formed on the seats.

[0012] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention isits ability to accommodate multiple infants, toddlers, and/or othersuitably aged children.

[0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to enable parents and caregivers to effectively andsimultaneously distribute their attention to a number of children inorder to selectively feed, entertain, and/or otherwise interact withsame, wherein such a feature and advantage is implemented viatelescopically adjusting the configuration and/or general arrangement ofthe apparatus, via swiveling the first and second seats to a selectedposition, and/or via the application of dividers or separating wallsbetween each seat structure.

[0014] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention isits ability to enable a child to entertain himself within the presenceof the parent or caregiver, yet permit the parent or caregiver toprovide other children or sibling(s) with undivided attention, whereinsuch a feature and advantage is implemented via telescopically adjustingthe configuration and/or general arrangement of the apparatus, viaswiveling the first and second seats to a selected position, and/or viathe application of dividers or separating walls between each seatstructure.

[0015] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to enable a parent to visually convince each child that he/sheis receiving the parent's or caregiver's full and undivided attention,wherein such a feature and advantage is implemented via telescopicallyadjusting the configuration and/or general arrangement of the apparatus,via swiveling the first and second seats to a selected position, and/orvia the application of dividers or separating walls between each seatstructure.

[0016] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present inventionis its ability to permit children to safely entertain themselves in thebrief absence of adult supervision.

[0017] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is itsprovision of activity walls, activity bars and/or dividers selectivelyand removably securable to each seat, so as to permit a parent orcaregiver to either shield each child from another, to permit each childto interact with another, and/or to permit a child to entertainhim/herself.

[0018] Still a further feature and advantage of the present invention isits incorporation of swiveling seats and a telescopically-modifiablestructure that facilitates user-selected modification of seatingarrangement and/or configuration; thereby, providing a parent orcaregiver with the ability to selectively shield and/or distance eachchild from one another, or permit each child to interact with oneanother.

[0019] Yet still a further feature and advantage of the presentinvention is its incorporation of telescoping legs that permit overallheight adjustment of the apparatus.

[0020] Still another and further feature and advantage of the presentinvention is its incorporation of telescopically-adjustably legs havinglockable pivot mechanisms to permit the inward folding of same, and,thus, the near floor-level seating of infants, toddlers, or the like.

[0021] Yet still another and further feature and advantage of thepresent invention is its incorporation of removable kick plates forshielding or guarding the swinging or kicking legs and feet of oneseated child from those of another.

[0022] Yet a further feature and advantage of the present invention isits incorporation of adjustable seatbacks and feeding trays toaccommodate children of varying size or general child growth.

[0023] These and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be better understood by reading theDetailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a single-child seating apparatusaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a multi-child seating apparatusaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1-3, the present invention in a preferredembodiment is a multi-child seating apparatus 10, comprising, ingeneral, first swivel seat 20, second swivel seat 60, andtelescopically-adjustable support frame 100.

[0045] Specifically, first swivel seat 20 preferably comprises seatbottom 22 and seat back 24, wherein seatback 24 is preferably connectedto seat bottom 22 via pivot mechanism 26, as best illustrated in FIG. 2.Preferably, pivot mechanism 26 permits seatback 24 to be tilted orpivotally adjusted to accommodate children of varying size or generalchild growth, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. Preferably extending fromupper surface 22 a of seat bottom 22 is leg divider 28, wherein legdivider 28 permits the comfortable separation of a child's legs when thechild is seated within seat 20, and, further, prevents the child fromsliding from seat bottom 22 when placed thereon, as is known within theart. Additionally, preferably extending from lower surface 22 b of seatbottom 22 is footrest 30, wherein footrest 30 preferably permits a childto comfortably place and support his/her feet thereon, as is knownwithin the art.

[0046] Preferably formed on sidewalls 22 c and 22 d of seat bottom 22are armrests 32 and 34, respectively, wherein handle 36 is preferablytelescopically-engaged therewith, and extends around rear wall 24 a ofseatback 24. Preferably, handle 36 may be selectively telescopicallyadjusted or extended to permit seatback 24 to be tilted back orpivotally adjusted into a selected position or angle, as bestillustrated in FIG. 3. It should be recognized thattelescopically-adjustable handle 36 could be manually extended and/orretracted upon tilting or pivotally adjusting seatback 24, or,alternatively, could automatically extend and/or retract upon tilting orpivotally adjusting seatback 24, wherein such automatic extension and/orretraction could be facilitated via any suitable mechanism, such as, forexemplary purposes only gears, levers, and the like. As more fullydescribed below, handle 36 is preferably utilized to facilitate movementand positioning of apparatus 10, and to further removably receivestorage bag 37 thereon, wherein storage bag 37 may be utilized to storetoys, personal articles, or the like.

[0047] Preferably slidably and adjustably engaged with armrests 32 and34 is feeding tray 38, wherein slidably adjusting feeding tray 38 overarmrests 32 and 34 preferably permits the comfortable accommodation ofchildren of varying size and/or general child growth, and whereinslidable adjustment of tray 38 is preferably facilitated via anysuitable mechanism such as, for exemplary purposes only, telescopingmembers, ratchet-based adjustment mechanisms, ridge-and-channelconfigurations, lever-and-groove systems, plunger-and-recess systems, orthe like. Feeding tray 38 preferably possesses a conventionalcompartmentalized surface that accommodates the convenient placement andsupport of bottles, drinking cups, dishes, and the like thereon.Additionally, and as more fully described below, feeding tray 38 ispreferably adapted to selectively and removably receive an activity walland/or activity bar to entertain a child seated within seat 20, or,alternatively, dividers or separating walls so as to visually shield thechild seated within seat 20 for purposes more fully described below.

[0048] Preferably, foot rest 30 is adapted to selectively and removablyreceive kick plate 40, wherein kick plate 40 is preferably utilized toshield or guard the swinging or kicking legs and feet of a child seatedwithin seat 20 from those of a child seated within seat 60.

[0049] Preferably identical in structure and function to seat 20, secondswivel seat 60 preferably comprises seat bottom 62 and seatback 64,wherein seatback 64 is preferably connected to seat bottom 62 via pivotmechanism 66, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, pivot mechanism66 permits seatback 64 to be tilted or pivotally adjusted to accommodatechildren of varying size or general child growth, as best illustrated inFIG. 3. Preferably extending from upper surface 62 a of seat bottom 62is leg divider 68, wherein leg divider 68 permits the comfortableseparation of a child's legs when the child is seated within seat 60,and further prevents the child from sliding from seat bottom 62 whenplaced thereon, as is known within the art. Additionally, preferablyextending from lower surface 62 b of seat bottom 62 is footrest 70,wherein footrest 70 preferably permits a child to comfortable place andsupport his/her feet thereon, as is known within the art.

[0050] Preferably formed on sidewalls 62 c and 62 d of seat bottom 62are armrests 72 and 74, respectively, wherein handle 76 is preferablytelescopically-engaged therewith, and extends around rear wall 64 a ofseatback 64. Preferably, handle 76 may be selectively telescopicallyadjusted or extended to permit seatback 64 to be tilted back orpivotally adjusted into a selected position or angle, as bestillustrated in FIG. 3. It should be recognized thattelescopically-adjustable handle 76 could be manually extended and/orretracted upon tilting or pivotally adjusting seatback 64, or,alternatively, could automatically extend and/or retract upon tilting orpivotally adjusting seatback 64, wherein such automatic extension and/orretraction could be facilitated via any suitable mechanism, such as, forexemplary purposes only gears, levers, and the like. As more fullydescribed below, handle 76 is preferably utilized to facilitate movementand positioning of apparatus 10, and to further removably receivestorage bag 77 thereon, wherein storage bag 77 may be utilized to storetoys, personal articles, or the like.

[0051] Preferably slidably and adjustably engaged with armrests 72 and74 is feeding tray 78, wherein slidably adjusting feeding tray 78 overarmrests 72 and 74 preferably permits the comfortable accommodation ofchildren of varying size and/or general child growth, and whereinslidable adjustment of tray 78 is preferably facilitated via anysuitable mechanism such as, for exemplary purposes only, telescopingmembers, ratchet-based adjustment mechanisms, ridge-and-channelconfigurations, lever-and-groove systems, plunger-and-recess systems, orthe like. Feeding tray 78 preferably possesses a conventionalcompartmentalized surface that accommodates the convenient placement andsupport of bottles, drinking cups, dishes, and the like thereon.Additionally, and as more fully described below, feeding tray 78 ispreferably adapted to selectively and removably receive an activity walland/or activity bar to entertain a child seated within seat 60, or,alternatively, dividers or separating walls so as to visually shield thechild seated within seat 20 for purposes more fully described below.

[0052] Preferably, foot rest 70 is adapted to selectively and removablereceive kick plate 80, wherein kick plate 80 is preferably utilized toshield or guard the swinging or kicking legs and feet of a child seatedwithin seat 60 from those of a child seated within seat 20.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, with continued reference to FIGS.1-3, preferably, swivel seats 20 and 60 are supported viatelescopically-adjustable support frame 100, wherein support frame 100preferably comprises telescopically-adjustable mid-base 110, and anarrangement of telescoping legs 120, 130, 140 and 150 extendingtherefrom, as more fully described below.

[0054] More specifically, mid-base 110 preferably comprises firstsupport platform 112 and second support platform 114, wherein platforms112 and 114 are preferably connected via telescopically-adjustablesupport arm 116. Preferably, first swivel seat 20 and second swivel seat60 are swivelly or rotatably mounted on platforms 112 and 114,respectively; thus, permitting seats 20 and 60 to be selectivelyswiveled or rotated within a prescribed radius, wherein variousexemplary positions of seats 20 and 60 are best illustrated in FIGS.1-6. Preferably, the swivel actuation or rotational movement of seats 20and 60 is facilitated via any suitable rotary or swivel mechanism, suchas, for exemplary purposes only, bearing mechanisms, ridge-and-channelconfigurations, ball-bearing mechanisms, or the like. It should berecognized that swivel seats 20 and 60 would advantageously enable aparent or caregiver to strategically position seats 20 and 60 so as toregulate and/or control the amount and/or type of interaction betweenthe children seated therewithin, wherein a selected seat configurationand/or position may place the children seated within seats 20 and 60 ina face-to-face, back-to-back, side-to-side, side-to-back, front-to-side,and/or front-to back configuration.

[0055] Preferably, the distance between seats 20 and 60 may beselectively adjusted via telescopically-adjustable support arm 116;thereby, permitting seats 20 and 60 to remain in substantial proximityto one another, or alternatively, at any user-selected distancepermitted via the telescopic capacity of support arm 116. It should berecognized that regulating the distance between seats 20 and 60 viatelescopically-adjusting support arm 116 would advantageously enable aparent or caregiver to strategically distance seats 20 and 60 so as toregulate and/or control the amount and/or type of interaction betweenthe children seated therewithin, wherein the benefits affordedthereunder are further enhanced in view of the benefits proffered by theswivel-actuated movement or positioning of seats 20 and/or 60, asdescribed above.

[0056] Preferably extending from first platform 112 aretelescopically-adjustable legs 120 and 130. Similarly, preferablyextending from second platform 114 are telescopically-adjustable legs140 and 150, wherein telescopic-adjustment of legs 120, 130, 140 and 150collectively permit overall height adjustment of apparatus 10.Specifically, leg 120 preferably comprises telescopically adjustableupper portion 122 and telescopically adjustable lower portion 124,wherein upper and lower portions 122 and 124, respectively, arepreferably connected via lockable pivot mechanism 126, and wherein pivotmechanism 126 preferably permits the inward folding of lower portion 124for purposes more fully described below. Similarly, leg 130 preferablycomprises telescopically adjustable upper portion 132 and telescopicallyadjustable lower portion 134, wherein upper and lower portions 132 and134, respectively, are preferably connected via lockable pivot mechanism136, and wherein pivot mechanism 136 preferably permits the inwardfolding of lower portion 134 for purposes more fully described below.Likewise, leg 140 preferably comprises telescopically adjustable upperportion 142 and telescopically adjustable lower portion 144, whereinupper and lower portions 142 and 144, respectively, are preferablyconnected via lockable pivot mechanism 146, and wherein pivot mechanism146 preferably permits the inward folding of lower portion 144 forpurposes more fully described below. Leg 150 preferably comprisestelescopically adjustable upper portion 152 and telescopicallyadjustable lower portion 154, wherein upper and lower portions 152 and154, respectively, are preferably connected via lockable pivot mechanism156, and wherein pivot mechanism 156 preferably permits the inwardfolding of lower portion 154 for purposes more fully described below.

[0057] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, upon the inward folding oflower portions 124, 134, 144 and 154 of legs 120, 130, 140 and 150,respectively, via lockable pivot mechanisms 126, 136, 146 and 156,respectively, apparatus 10 preferably lowers, and, thus, permits thenear floor-level seating of infants, toddlers, or the like. The overallheight of apparatus 10 when in such a near-floor level position may beselectively adjusted via telescopically-adjusting upper portions 122,132, 142 and 152 of legs 120, 130, 140 and 150, respectively.

[0058] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that either upperand/or lower portions of legs 120, 130, 140 and 150 could bemanufactured as rigid portions, or, alternatively, portions that possesstelescopic capabilities. It is further contemplated that legs 120, 130,140 and 150 could be manufactured without lockable pivot mechanisms 126,136, 146 and 156, and/or that additional lockable pivot mechanisms couldalso be incorporated at the upper end of each upper portion 122, 132,142 and 152 of legs 120, 130, 140 and 150, respectively, proximalrespective support platforms 112 and 114, so as to permit inward foldingof same.

[0059] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, preferably formed at the lower ordistal ends of lower portions 124, 134, 144 and 154 of legs 120, 130,140 and 150, respectively, are lockable wheels or casters 160, 162, 164and 166, respectively. Casters 160, 162, 164 and 166 preferablyfacilitate the wheeled transport of apparatus 10, wherein handles 36 and76 of seats 20 and 60, respectively, preferably cooperatively assist inthe transportation, movement, and/or positioning of apparatus 10 viacasters 160, 162, 164 and 166.

[0060] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 10-13, with continuedreference to FIG. 2, trays 38 and 78 of seats 20 and 60, respectively,each preferably comprise a series of protuberances or pegs 90 extendingfrom the upper front edges 38 a and 78 a thereof. Preferably, activitywalls 170 and/or dividers 180 may be selectively and removably securedto trays 38 and/or 78 via engagement of slots or holes 170 a or 180 a ofactivity walls 170 or dividers 180, respectively, with pegs 90 formed ontrays 38 and/or 78. Preferably, activity walls 170 comprise conventionalactivities (i.e., dry-erase board, interactive learning modules, games,and/or the like) suitable for infants, toddlers, and/or children ofsuitable age, wherein activity walls 170 may be utilized to entertain achild in the presence and/or brief absence of parental or caregiversupervision. Dividers 180 may be utilized to visually shield a firstseated child from the sight of a second seated child; thereby, visuallyconvincing each child that he/she is receiving the parent's orcaregiver's full and undivided attention, and/or to further prevent eachchild from physically interacting with the other in a confrontationalmanner (i.e., throwing food, dishware, toys, and the like at oneanother). It should be recognized that activity walls 170 and/ordividers 180 could be selectively and removably secured to seats 20and/or 60 via engagement of slots or holes 170 a or 180 a of activitywalls 170 or dividers 180, respectively, with suitable protuberances orpegs formed on seats 20 and 60.

[0061] As best illustrated in FIG. 13, activity bar 190, having slots orholes 190 a, may also be selectively and removably secured to trays 38and/or 78 via engagement of slots or holes 190 a with pegs 90 formed ontrays 38 and/or 78. Activity bar 190 may be utilized to suspend toys,mobiles, and the like therefrom so as to entertain a child seated withinseat 20 and/or 60. It should be recognized that activity bars 190 couldbe selectively and removably secured to seats 20 and/or 60 viaengagement of slots or holes 190 a with suitable protuberances or pegsformed on seats 20 and 60.

[0062] It should be further recognized that the selective and/orcollective utilization of swivel positioning of seats 20 and/or 60,telescopically-adjustable support bar 116, telescopically-adjustablesupport frame 100, activity walls 170, dividers 180 and/or activity bar190, preferably enable parents and caregivers to effectively andsimultaneously distribute their attention to a number of children toselectively feed, entertain, and/or otherwise interact with same.Moreover, by telescopically adjusting the configuration and/or generalarrangement of apparatus 10, swiveling seats 20 and/or 60 into aselected position, and/or applying activity wall 170 and/or dividers180, parents and caregivers are able to visually convince each childthat he/she is receiving the parent's or caregiver's full and undividedattention.

[0063] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 14-16, illustratedtherein is an alternate embodiment of apparatus 10, wherein thealternate embodiment of FIGS. 14-15 is substantially equivalent in formand function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed andillustrated in FIGS. 1-13 except as hereinafter specifically referenced.Specifically, the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15 replaces feeding trays 38and 78 of seats 20 and 60, respectively, with support bars 138 and 178,respectively. Similar to feeding trays 38 and 78, support bars 138 and178 comprise pegs 90 for receiving and removably securing activity walls170, dividers 180, and/or activity bars 190 thereto. The presentalternate embodiment further incorporates storage compartments 138 a and178 a disposed on support bars 138 and 178, respectively, to facilitatethe expeditious storage and retrieval of crayons, pacifiers, moisttowelettes, bibs, or the like, wherein storage compartments 138 a and178 a could be interchangeable and/or integrally formed with supportbars 138 and 178.

[0064] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that feedingtrays 38 and 78 could be manufactured as removable feeding trays,wherein support bars 138 and/or 178 could be selectively removablysecured to seats 20 and/or 60 in place of feeding trays 38 and 78, asbest illustrated in FIG. 16. It is further contemplated that supportbars 138 and 178 could be removably secured to seats 20 and 60,respectively, and that removable feeding trays could be engagedthereover, wherein support bars 138 and 178 could effectively restrain achild seated within respective seats 20 and 60, and wherein removal ofsupport bars 138 and 178 could be effectuated via adult interventiononly. In this latter embodiment, it is contemplated that support bars138 and 178 could be removably secured to leg dividers 28 and 68 ofseats 20 and 60, respectively.

[0065] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 17, illustrated thereinis an alternate embodiment of apparatus 10, wherein the alternateembodiment of FIG. 17 is substantially equivalent in form and functionto that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS.1-13 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, theembodiment of FIG. 17 illustrates a single-seating apparatus, comprisingonly seat 20, wherein seat 20 is supported via telescopically adjustablesupport legs 120, 130, 140 and 150, and wherein seat 20 similarlyprovides for the application of activity walls 170, dividers 180 and/oractivity bars 190 thereto.

[0066] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that apparatus10 could be manufactured with any selected number of swivel seats.

[0067] It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment thattelescopically-adjustable support arm 116 could be separable to permitthe complete separation of seat 20 from seat 60, wherein additionaltelescopically-adjustable support legs could be removably secured tolower surfaces 22 b and 62 b of separated seats 20 and 60, respectively,to provide the requisite support therefor. Alternatively, additionalsupport legs could be incorporated into lower surfaces 22 b and 62 b ofseparated seats 20 and 60, respectively, and extended and/or retractedwhen necessary.

[0068] It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment thattelescopically-adjustable support arm 116 could be separable to permitthe complete separation of seat 20 from seat 60, wherein respectivesupport legs 120, 130, 140 and 150 of separated seats 20 and 60 could beinwardly folded to lower separated seats 20 and 60 into a near-floorposition; thereby, permitting separated seats 20 and 60 to “sit” alone,as best illustrated in FIG. 18. In such an embodiment, it iscontemplated that a truncated support leg 320 could be removably securedto a rear portion of respective lower surfaces 22 a and 62 a ofseparated seats 20 and 60; thereby, providing additional support.Alternatively, each seat 20 and 60 could receive a telescopicallyadjustable support leg 420 removably secured to a rear portion ofrespective lower surfaces 22 a and 62 a (or incorporated therewith);thereby, permitting each separated seat 20 and 60 to stand alone. As aresult, any and all features, including, without limitation, kick plate40 and/or 80, activity walls 170, dividers 180, activity bar 190,support bars 138 and/or 178, and the storage bag, are selectivelyapplicable to the separated single seats 20 and 60.

[0069] It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment thattelescopically-adjustable support arm 116 could incorporate a lockablepivot mechanism to permit pivotal movement and adjustment of same.

[0070] It is contemplated in still yet another alternate embodiment thatapparatus 10 could incorporate the requisite lockable pivot mechanismsto permit folding, and, thus, the convenient storage of apparatus 10.

[0071] It is still further contemplated that apparatus 10 couldincorporate LCD monitors and/or other digital or visual displays topermit the viewing of children's movies, televisions shows, and thelike; thereby, providing the children seated within seats 20 and 60 withyet another form of entertainment. In such an embodiment, the visualdisplay could be selectively removably secured to trays, 38, 78, 138 and178, or, alternatively, retrievable via a pivot arm connected toapparatus 10.

[0072] In still another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated thatseats 20 and/or 60, and/or alternate embodiments thereof, could comprisea suitable adjustment or biasing means to permit the selectiveadjustment or biasing of seats 20 and/or 60 in either an upward ordownward direction upon disengagement or actuation of a suitable releaselever, wherein such adjustment or biasing means could comprise, withoutlimitation, pneumatic mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, spring actuatedmechanism, and/or the like. It is contemplated that such an alternateembodiment could be utilized to raise, boost, and/or lower a childseated within seat 20 or 60 to kitchen countertop level, tabletop level,or to the level of any other selected surface.

[0073] It should be recognized that the telescoping members, portionsand/or components described herein, whether of telescopically-adjustablesupport frame 100 or otherwise, are preferably manufactured and designedsuch that telescopic extension and/or retraction of same into a desiredposition is fixed or secured, and only subsequently re-adjustable uponan adult user's adjustment or modification; thereby, preventing unwantedor accidental extension and/or retraction of same. Such telescopingmembers, portions and/or components may be selected from a groupcomprising, without limitation, frictional locking telescoping members,frictional turn-and-lock telescoping members, and/or telescoping membersincorporating lock pins, resilient locking tabs, spring-loaded balllocks, spring-loaded locking pins, and/or the like. It is furthercontemplated, however, that the telescoping members, portions and/orcomponents described herein, whether of telescopically-adjustablesupport frame 100 or otherwise, could be telescopically actuated, or bein the form of, pneumatic mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, suitablebiasing means, or the like.

[0074] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but islimited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A child seating apparatus, comprising: a firstseat; a second seat; and a telescopically-adjustable support frame, saidfirst and second seats mounted on said support frame and adapted topermit user-selected independent multi-directional positioning of saidfirst and second seats relative to one another.
 2. The child seatingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second seats are swivelingseats.
 3. The child seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond seats are each adapted to selectively and removably receive atray.
 4. The child seating apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one ofsaid first and second seats or at least one of said trays of each saidseat is adapted to selectively and removably receive a member selectedfrom the group consisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars,and kick plates.
 5. The child seating apparatus of claim 4, wherein saidtrays of said first and second seats are slidably adjustable.
 6. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein telescopic adjustment ofsaid support frame permits the selective distancing of said first andsecond seats from one another.
 7. The child seating apparatus of claim1, wherein said support frame comprises a plurality of telescopicallyadjustable support legs, and wherein telescopic adjustment of saidsupport legs permits the selective height adjustment of said apparatus.8. The child seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support framecomprises a plurality of foldable support legs, wherein folding of saidsupport legs permits the near floor-level positioning of said apparatusfor operable use of said first and second seats.
 9. The child seatingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second seats compriseadjustable seatbacks.
 10. The child seating apparatus of claim 9,wherein said first and second seats each comprise an adjustable handleto accommodate adjustment of said seatbacks.
 11. The child seatingapparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of said handles is adaptedto removably receive an article storage bag.
 12. The child seatingapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lockable wheelsfor facilitating the wheeled transport of said apparatus across aselected surface.
 13. The child seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein atleast one of said first and second seats is adapted to be selectivelyadjusted in an upward or downward direction upon disengagement of arelease member carried thereby.
 14. A child seating apparatus,comprising: a plurality of seats disposed on a telescopically-adjustablesupport frame, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support framepermits the selective distancing of said plurality of seats from oneanother.
 15. The child seating apparatus of claim 14, wherein saidplurality of seats are swiveling seats.
 16. The child seating apparatusof claim 14, wherein said plurality of seats are each adapted toselectively and removably receive a tray.
 17. The child seatingapparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of said plurality of seatsor at least one of said trays of said plurality of seats is adapted toselectively and removably receive a member selected from the groupconsisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.18. The child seating apparatus of claim 14, wherein said support framecomprises a plurality of telescopically adjustable support legs, andwherein telescopic adjustment of said support legs permits the selectiveheight adjustment of said apparatus.
 19. The child seating apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein said support frame comprises a plurality of foldablesupport legs, wherein folding of said support legs permits the nearfloor-level positioning of said apparatus for operable use of saidplurality of seats.
 20. A child seating apparatus, comprising: aplurality of seats disposed on a telescopically-adjustable supportframe, said support frame comprising a plurality of telescopicallyadjustable support legs, wherein telescopic adjustment of said supportlegs permits the selective height adjustment of said apparatus.
 21. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 20, wherein said plurality of seats areswiveling seats.
 22. The child seating apparatus of claim 20, whereinsaid plurality of seats are each adapted to selectively and removablyreceive a tray.
 23. The child seating apparatus of claim 22, wherein atleast one of said plurality of seats or at least one of said trays ofsaid plurality of seats is adapted to selectively and removably receivea member selected from the group consisting of activity walls, dividers,activity bars, and kick plates.
 24. The child seating apparatus of claim20, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support frame permits theselective distancing of said plurality of seats from one another. 25.The child seating apparatus of claim 20, wherein said plurality ofsupport legs are foldable to permit the near floor-level positioning ofsaid apparatus for operable use of said plurality of seats.
 26. A childseating apparatus, comprising: a plurality of seats disposed on atelescopically-adjustable support frame, said support frame comprising aplurality of foldable support legs, wherein folding of said support legspermits the near floor-level positioning of said apparatus for operableuse of said plurality of seats.
 27. The child seating apparatus of claim26, wherein said plurality of seats are swiveling seats.
 28. The childseating apparatus of claim 26, wherein said plurality of seats are eachadapted to selectively and removably receive a tray.
 29. The childseating apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least one of said plurality ofseats or at least one of said trays of said plurality of seats isadapted to selectively and removably receive a member selected from thegroup consisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kickplates.
 30. The child seating apparatus of claim 26, wherein telescopicadjustment of said support frame permits the selective distancing ofsaid plurality of seats from one another.
 31. The child seatingapparatus of claim 26, wherein said plurality of support legs aretelescopically adjustable to permit the selective height adjustment ofsaid apparatus.
 32. A child seating apparatus, comprising: a pluralityof seats supported via a plurality of foldable support legs, whereinfolding of said support legs permits the near floor-level positioning ofsaid apparatus for operable use of said plurality of seats.
 33. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 32, wherein said plurality of seats areswiveling seats.
 34. The child seating apparatus of claim 32, whereinsaid plurality of seats are each adapted to selectively and removablyreceive a tray.
 35. The child seating apparatus of claim 34, wherein atleast one of said plurality of seats or at least one of said trays ofsaid plurality of seats is adapted to selectively and removably receivea member selected from the group consisting of activity walls, dividers,activity bars, and kick plates.
 36. The child seating apparatus of claim32, further comprising a telescopically adjustable support frame incommunication with said plurality of seats or said plurality of supportlegs, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support frame permits theselective distancing of said plurality of seats from one another. 37.The child seating apparatus of claim 32, wherein said plurality ofsupport legs are telescopically adjustable to permit the selectiveheight adjustment of said apparatus.
 38. A child seating apparatus,comprising: a plurality of seats disposed on a telescopically-adjustablesupport frame, said support frame comprising a plurality of foldable andtelescopically adjustable support legs, wherein the folding of each saidsupport leg permits the near floor-level positioning of said apparatusfor operable use of said plurality of seats.
 39. The child seatingapparatus of claim 38, wherein said plurality of seats are swivelingseats.
 40. The child seating apparatus of claim 38, wherein saidplurality of seats are each adapted to selectively and removably receivea tray.
 41. The child seating apparatus of claim 40, wherein at leastone of said plurality of seats or at least one of said trays of saidplurality of seats is adapted to selectively and removably receive amember selected from the group consisting of activity walls, dividers,activity bars, and kick plates.
 42. The child seating apparatus of claim38, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support frame permits theselective distancing of said plurality of seats from one another. 43.The child seating apparatus of claim 38, wherein telescopic adjustmentof said plurality of support legs permit the selective height adjustmentof said apparatus.
 44. A child seating apparatus, comprising: a firstseat; a second seat; and a telescopically-adjustable support frame, saidfirst and second seats disposed on said support frame, wherein saidfirst and second seats are each adapted to selectively and removablyreceive a member selected from the group consisting of activity walls,dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.
 45. The child seatingapparatus of claim 44, wherein said first and second seats are swivelingseats.
 46. The child seating apparatus of claim 44, wherein said firstand second seats are each adapted to selectively and removably receive atray.
 47. The child seating apparatus of claim 46, wherein at least oneof said trays of said first and second seats is adapted to selectivelyand removably receive a member selected from the group consisting ofactivity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.
 48. The childseating apparatus of claim 46, wherein said trays of said first andsecond seats are slidably adjustable.
 49. The child seating apparatus ofclaim 44, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support frame permitsthe selective distancing of said first and second seats from oneanother.
 50. The child seating apparatus of claim 44, wherein saidsupport frame comprises a plurality of telescopically adjustable supportlegs, and wherein telescopic adjustment of said support legs permits theselective height adjustment of said apparatus.
 51. The child seatingapparatus of claim 44, wherein said support frame comprises a pluralityof foldable support legs, wherein folding of said support legs permitsthe near floor-level positioning of said apparatus for operable use ofsaid first and second seats.
 52. The child seating apparatus of claim44, wherein said first and second seats comprise adjustable seatbacks.53. The child seating apparatus of claim 52, wherein said first andsecond seats each comprise an adjustable handle to accommodateadjustment of said seatbacks.
 54. The child seating apparatus of claim53, wherein at least one of said handles is adapted to removably receivean article storage bag.
 55. The child seating apparatus of claim 44,further comprising a plurality of lockable wheels for facilitating thewheeled transport of said apparatus across a selected surface.
 56. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 44, wherein at least one of said firstand second seats is adapted to be selectively adjusted in an upward ordownward direction upon disengagement of a release member carriedthereby.
 57. A child seating apparatus, comprising: a seat disposed on aplurality of telescopically-adjustable support legs, wherein said seatis adapted to selectively and removably receive a tray, and wherein atleast one of said seat and said tray is adapted to selectively andremovably receive a member selected from the group consisting ofactivity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.
 58. The childseating apparatus of claim 57, wherein said seat is a swiveling seat.59. The child seating apparatus of claim 57, wherein said tray of saidseat is slidably adjustable.
 60. The child seating apparatus of claim57, wherein telescopic adjustment of said support legs permits theselective height adjustment of said apparatus.
 61. The child seatingapparatus of claim 57, wherein said plurality of support legs arefoldable to permit the near floor-level positioning of said apparatusfor operable use of said seat.
 62. The child seating apparatus of claim57, wherein said seat comprises an adjustable seatback.
 63. The childseating apparatus of claim 62, wherein said seat comprises an adjustablehandle to accommodate adjustment of said seatback.
 64. The child seatingapparatus of claim 63, wherein said handle is adapted to removablyreceive an article storage bag.
 65. The child seating apparatus of claim57, further comprising a plurality of lockable wheels for facilitatingthe wheeled transport of said apparatus across a selected surface. 66.The child seating apparatus of claim 57, wherein said seat is adapted tobe selectively adjusted in an upward or downward direction upondisengagement of a release member carried thereby.
 67. A child seatingapparatus, comprising: a seat swivelably mounted on a plurality oftelescopically-adjustable support legs for permitting user-selectedswiveling and positioning of said seat, wherein said seat is adapted toselectively and removably receive a tray, and wherein at least one ofsaid seat and said tray is adapted to selectively and removably receivea member selected from the group consisting of activity walls, dividers,activity bars, and kick plates.
 68. The child seating apparatus of claim67, wherein said tray of said seat is slidably adjustable.
 69. The childseating apparatus of claim 67, wherein telescopic adjustment of saidsupport legs permits the selective height adjustment of said apparatus.70. The child seating apparatus of claim 67, wherein said plurality ofsupport legs are foldable to permit the near floor-level positioning ofsaid apparatus for operable use of said seat.
 71. A child seatingapparatus, comprising: a seat supported via a plurality oftelescopically adjustable support legs, wherein telescopic adjustment ofsaid support legs permits the selective height adjustment of said seat;and, said seat adapted to selectively and removably receive a tray,wherein at least one of said seat and said tray is adapted toselectively and removably receive a member selected from the groupconsisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.72. The child seating apparatus of claim 71, wherein said seat is aswiveling seat.
 73. The child seating apparatus of claim 71, whereinsaid tray of said seat is slidably adjustable.
 74. The child seatingapparatus of claim 71, wherein said plurality of support legs arefoldable to permit the near floor-level positioning of said apparatusfor operable use of said seat.
 75. A child seating apparatus,comprising: a seat disposed on a plurality of foldable support legs,wherein folding of said support legs permits the near floor-levelpositioning of said seat for operable use thereof.
 76. The child seatingapparatus of claim 75, wherein said seat is a swiveling seat.
 77. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 75, wherein said seat is adapted toselectively and removably receive a tray.
 78. The child seatingapparatus of claim 77, wherein at least one of said seat and said trayis adapted to selectively and removably receive a member selected fromthe group consisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars, andkick plates.
 79. The child seating apparatus of claim 77, wherein saidtray of said seat is slidably adjustable.
 80. The child seatingapparatus of claim 77, wherein said support legs are telescopicallyadjustable to permit the selective height adjustment of said apparatus.81. A child seating apparatus, comprising: a seat disposed on atelescopically-adjustable support frame, said support frame comprising aplurality of foldable and telescopically adjustable support legs,wherein the folding of each said support leg permits the nearfloor-level positioning of said seat for operable use thereof; and, saidseat adapted to selectively and removably receive a tray, wherein atleast one of said seat and said tray is adapted to selectively andremovably receive a member selected from the group consisting ofactivity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.
 82. A childseating apparatus, comprising: a seat disposed on a plurality offoldable and telescopically adjustable support legs, wherein the foldingof each said support leg permits the near floor-level positioning ofsaid seat for operable use thereof; and, said seat adapted toselectively and removably receive a tray, wherein at least one of saidseat and said tray is adapted to selectively and removably receive amember selected from the group consisting of activity walls, dividers,activity bars, and kick plates.
 83. A child seating apparatus,comprising: a plurality of seats disposed on a telescopically adjustablesupport frame, wherein said support frame permits the completeseparation of said plurality of seats from one another to yield aplurality of independently standing child seating apparatuses.
 84. Thechild seating apparatus of claim 83, wherein said plurality of seats areswiveling seats.
 85. The child seating apparatus of claim 83, whereinsaid plurality of seats are each adapted to selectively and removablyreceive a tray.
 86. The child seating apparatus of claim 85, wherein atleast one of said plurality of seats or at least one of said trays ofeach said plurality of seats is adapted to selectively and removablyreceive a member selected from the group consisting of activity walls,dividers, activity bars, and kick plates.
 87. The child seatingapparatus of claim 85, wherein said trays of said plurality of seats areslidably adjustable.
 88. The child seating apparatus of claim 83,wherein telescopic adjustment of said support frame permits theselective distancing of said plurality of seats from one another. 89.The child seating apparatus of claim 83, wherein said support framecomprises a plurality of telescopically adjustable support legs, andwherein telescopic adjustment of said support legs permits the selectiveheight adjustment of said apparatus.
 90. The child seating apparatus ofclaim 83, wherein each seat of said plurality of seats comprises aplurality of telescopically adjustable support legs extending therefromso as to permit independent standing of each said seat of said pluralityof seats upon complete separation of each said seat of said plurality ofseats from one another via separating said support frame, and whereintelescopic adjustment of said support legs permits the selective heightadjustment of each said seat.
 91. The child seating apparatus of claim83, wherein said support frame comprises a plurality of foldable supportlegs, wherein folding of said support legs permits the near floor-levelpositioning of said apparatus for operable use of said plurality ofseats.
 92. The child seating apparatus of claim 83, wherein each seat ofsaid plurality of seats comprises a plurality of support legs extendingtherefrom so as to permit independent standing of each said seat of saidplurality of seats upon complete separation of each said seat of saidplurality of seats from one another via separating said support frame,and wherein each support leg of said plurality of support legs isfoldable to permit the near floor-level positioning of each said seat ofsaid plurality of seats for operable use thereof.
 93. The child seatingapparatus of claim 83, wherein said plurality of seats compriseadjustable seatbacks.
 94. The child seating apparatus of claim 93,wherein each seat of said plurality of seats comprises an adjustablehandle to accommodate adjustment of said seatback.
 95. The child seatingapparatus of claim 94, wherein at least one of said handles is adaptedto removably receive an article storage bag.
 96. The child seatingapparatus of claim 83, further comprising a plurality of lockable wheelsfor facilitating the wheeled transport of said apparatus across aselected surface.
 97. The child seating apparatus of claim 83, whereinat least one seat of said plurality of seats is adapted to beselectively adjusted in an upward or downward direction upondisengagement of a release member carried thereby.
 98. A child seatingapparatus, comprising: a first mounting means adapted to carry a firstseat; a second mounting means adapted to carry a second seat, whereinsaid first and second mounting means are disjoined one from the other;and a telescopically-adjustable support frame adapted to carry saidfirst and second mounting means in spaced-apart relationship.
 99. Achild seating apparatus, comprising: a plurality of swiveling seatsdisposed on a telescopically-modifiable structure to facilitateuser-selected modification of seating arrangement and configuration,wherein said plurality of seats are each adapted to selectively andremovably receive a tray, and wherein at least one of said plurality ofseats or at least one of said trays of said plurality of seats isadapted to selectively and removably receive a member selected from thegroup consisting of activity walls, dividers, activity bars, and kickplates, wherein selective swiveling of said plurality of seats,selective telescopic modification of said support structure, andselective application of at least one of said members to at least one ofsaid plurality of seats or at least of said trays of said plurality ofseats, permits a caregiver to control the actions of each child seatedwithin a seat of said plurality of seats, said action selected from thegroup consisting of shielding each child from another, permitting eachchild to interact with another, permitting a child to entertainhim/herself while another child is fed, permitting each seated child toentertain him/herself in the presence of the caregiver, permitting eachseated child to entertain him/herself in the brief absence of thecaregiver, visually convincing each child that he/she is receiving thecaregiver's full and undivided attention, temporarily distracting atleast one child from perceived needs for direct attention from thecaregiver, and combinations thereof.